Delivery of Functional Compounds

Abstract

Functional ingredients including an esterified component and microencapsulated in an enteric matrix to increase the microencapsulation efficiency and reduce undesired organoleptic properties of the microencapsulated material while providing a desired release rate and ester hydrolysis rate, the process including forming an emulsion in water and titrating the emulsion with a precipitating agent to produce a particulate precipitate.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to an ester-containing functional ingredient which is microencapsulated by an enteric matrix and methods for making the same. More particularly, the functional ingredient is microencapsulated in an aqueous environment which is substantially free of organic solvents.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Enteric delivery of functional materials in food delivery applications has been limited. Enteric delivery systems are commonly utilized when the functional materials or medicaments are known to be sensitive to low pH or have undesirable flavor and / or taste characteristics which cannot be effectively masked by other methods. Generally, enteric delivery is accomplished using tablets and gel capsules. However, those particular delivery methods are not well suited for food applications. In particular, neither tablets nor capsules are sized to be integrated into most existing food products.[0003]An alternative process for enteric deliver...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The method of the present invention includes a method of microencapsulating an active or functional ingredient. The method includes agitating or mixing water, an enteric matrix material and an emulsifier to form a combination, at a pH that maintains complete dissolution of the enteric polymers being utilized, the combination being substantially free of organic solvents. A functional ingredient comprising esters is added to the combination and homogenized to create a fine, stable emulsion. The emulsion is then treated with an acid and / or other cross-linking or precipitating agents depending on the polymer being used, such as calcium, under controlled mixing conditions and in an amount and at a rate effective to form a particulate precipitate. Further, the functional ingredient is homogeneously dispersed throughout the precipitate and with an improved microencapsulation efficiency of the functional ingredient.

Problems solved by technology

Enteric delivery of functional materials in food delivery applications has been limited.

Enteric delivery systems are commonly utilized when the functional materials or medicaments are known to be sensitive to low pH or have undesirable flavor and / or taste characteristics which cannot be effectively masked by other methods.

However, those particular delivery methods are not well suited for food applications.

These methods require additional capital expenditures and the use of additional materials, such as the organic solvents, which may or may not be usable in subsequent microencapsulation cycles.

One issue with microencapsulation is the recovery rate, or microencapsulation efficiency of the process.

As a result, the product tends to have a taste profile associated with the uncaptured material, which is often undesirable.

This is particularly true when the uncaptured material includes oxidizable triglycerides such as unsaturated and polyunsaturated lipids, oxidizable flavors and essential oils, or other organic compounds that may naturally have undesirable taste and / or flavor.

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